Spedo Lube - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Daddy Brim** · 11-14-2012, 09:29 AM

The last couple of days since it has got cold my speedometer cable makes a strange sound, And the needle get all crazy. I think it needs to be cleaned and lubed. What do you think I should use.

**Stocker** · 11-14-2012, 11:53 AM

I have used a lightweight white lithium grease for the same problem, and it worked just fine. But the best thing is supposed to be graphite lube, especially in colder climates. Probably not a big concern in Clovis.

domeier · 11-14-2012, 12:19 PM

I disconnected mine at the speedo and trans, put a drill motor on it and sprayed about half a can of gun oil/solvent down the housing with it spinning. Dry graphite makes sense for a new cable and housing, but for an old wore out one that's full of 40 years of gunk, this worked great.

**LockDoc** · 11-14-2012, 12:26 PM

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I take the cable off of the speedo head and spray PB Blaster into the cable housing, put it back on and run it for a while, then take it loose and spray it again. That usually takes care of it.

I don't recommend graphite on anything. The main problem with it is that people tend to use too much. It then absorbs moisture and turns into a gummy mess. I have disassembled a lot of lock cylinders that have had graphite used on them so this is from first hand experience....

LockDoc

**Daddy Brim** · 11-14-2012, 10:00 PM

I think I will disconnect both ends and try to spray some carb cleaner down. Then use some white grease. Does the cable come out of the housing ?

**Stocker** · 11-14-2012, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daddy Brim

Does the cable come out of the housing?

Yes, from the top (speedometer) end. I removed my cable, cleaned it, coated it with white grease, and re-inserted it.

In hindsight, I probably should have sprayed some sort of cleaner down through the housing.

**Daddy Brim** · 11-14-2012, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stocker

Yes, from the top (speedometer) end. I removed my cable, cleaned it, coated it with white grease, and re-inserted it.

In hindsight, I probably should have sprayed some sort of cleaner down through the housing.

Good to know, I will pull it all apart this weekend and give it a good cleaning and lube it up. Thanks

**70cst** · 11-14-2012, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LockDoc

-
I take the cable off of the speedo head and spray PB Blaster into the cable housing, put it back on and run it for a while, then take it loose and spray it again. That usually takes care of it.

I don't recommend graphite on anything. The main problem with it is that people tend to use too much. It then absorbs moisture and turns into a gummy mess. I have disassembled a lot of lock cylinders that have had graphite used on them so this is from first hand experience....

LockDoc

Good info. Thanks

airdale94 · 11-15-2012, 01:08 AM

Gear oil also works good. Pull the cable out, pour some in your palm, then pull the cable through it.

cdowns · 11-15-2012, 11:30 AM

i was taught to clan real good// b very carefull if trying to wipe it down with the palm of your hand// then using graphite speedometer cable lube // was told and have read tech articles that the graphite actually polishes the inside of the cable housing for longlife and proper operation with less drag/// worst stuff to use is white lithium grease

**Stocker** · 11-15-2012, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

worst stuff to use is white lithium grease

You may be right.... that's what I used more than 25 years ago and it's still working flawlessly. Mine is probably the exception though....

11-14-2012, 09:29 AM	#1
Daddy Brim Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Clovis Ca. Posts: 632	Spedo Lube The last couple of days since it has got cold my speedometer cable makes a strange sound, And the needle get all crazy. I think it needs to be cleaned and lubed. What do you think I should use. __________________ I'm sorry I called you stupid. I thought you knew already. 67 C-20 Custom Camper 68 Nova 396 it does wheelies 2005 Buick Century the one the wife drives 1989 Toyota Tercel to drive when I can't put gas in the first 2.

11-14-2012, 11:53 AM	#2
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,728	Re: Spedo Lube I have used a lightweight white lithium grease for the same problem, and it worked just fine. But the best thing is supposed to be graphite lube, especially in colder climates. Probably not a big concern in Clovis. __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

11-14-2012, 12:19 PM	#3
domeier Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: San Jose, California Posts: 784	Re: Spedo Lube I disconnected mine at the speedo and trans, put a drill motor on it and sprayed about half a can of gun oil/solvent down the housing with it spinning. Dry graphite makes sense for a new cable and housing, but for an old wore out one that's full of 40 years of gunk, this worked great.

11-14-2012, 12:26 PM	#4
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,818	Re: Spedo Lube - I take the cable off of the speedo head and spray PB Blaster into the cable housing, put it back on and run it for a while, then take it loose and spray it again. That usually takes care of it. I don't recommend graphite on anything. The main problem with it is that people tend to use too much. It then absorbs moisture and turns into a gummy mess. I have disassembled a lot of lock cylinders that have had graphite used on them so this is from first hand experience.... LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

11-14-2012, 10:00 PM	#5
Daddy Brim Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Clovis Ca. Posts: 632	Re: Spedo Lube I think I will disconnect both ends and try to spray some carb cleaner down. Then use some white grease. Does the cable come out of the housing ? __________________ I'm sorry I called you stupid. I thought you knew already. 67 C-20 Custom Camper 68 Nova 396 it does wheelies 2005 Buick Century the one the wife drives 1989 Toyota Tercel to drive when I can't put gas in the first 2.

11-15-2012, 01:08 AM	#9
airdale94 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Topeka,KS Posts: 778	Re: Spedo Lube Gear oil also works good. Pull the cable out, pour some in your palm, then pull the cable through it. __________________ 68' C20. 283CI w/55CC 305HO heads, NP435 Close Ratio, Corp. 14 bolt FF 3.21, 75' front end swap (everything but the X-member).

11-15-2012, 11:30 AM	#10
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Spedo Lube i was taught to clan real good// b very carefull if trying to wipe it down with the palm of your hand// then using graphite speedometer cable lube // was told and have read tech articles that the graphite actually polishes the inside of the cable housing for longlife and proper operation with less drag/// worst stuff to use is white lithium grease __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY



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